According to Forester Grant Associates, the motor industry consultancy, dealers' traditional fast-fit centres are evolving into “fast-service centres” covering a far broader range of repair work.
FGA said dealers no longer viewed the fast-fit concept as just a way to retain the custom of owners of older cars.
Tim McGing, managing director at FGA, said: “Over time jobs carried out have begun to change from pure fast-fit work such as tyres, exhausts, batteries, brakes and oil and filter changes.
“Today the customer is expecting to take their car to these centres for a much broader range of work without having to book an appointment.”
McGing claimed the fast-service concept was extending into workshops and had led to a “can do it now philosophy” which many car makers were moving to install in their retail networks.
“We have been working with a number of manufacturers and dealers in this area to help them arrive at profitable business models,” he said.
McGing added that the process was “not revolutionary” but involved taking manufacturers and dealers through steps such as a business audit and market survey and also organising on-site training, providing an ordered approach.